Rower Tom Livingstone mourned after tragic death at Gibraltar Falls

Tributes are flowing for a ‘down to earth’ Australian rowing star and former Sydney school prefect who fell to his death at a popular ACT tourist destination.

Acton teenager Tom Livingstone. Picture: Contributed

A teenage Australian rowing star is being remembered for his fierce competitiveness and down to earth attitude after his sudden death at a popular ACT tourist destination.

Australian National University student Tom Livingstone had been visiting Gibraltar Falls, about 30km from Canberra, on February 12 when he tragically fell from a cliff.

Multiple police, ambulance, and fire and rescue crews rushed to help the Acton teenager with ACT Parks and Conservation rangers and bystanders performing first aid on the 19-year-old until emergency services arrived.

Despite their best efforts, Mr Livingstone died at the scene.

The rowing community is mourning the promising talent and former Sydney Church of England Grammar School senior prefect who represented NSW and Australia in the sport.

A Rowing Australia spokesman said the organisation was “incredibly saddened” to hear of Mr Livingstone’s sudden death.

Acton teenager Tom Livingstone competing. Picture: Contributed

“Tom was Captain of Boats in the 2020-21 season at the Shore School and was selected to the Australian Under 19 Rowing Team as a member of the Men’s Eight in the same year,” the spokesman said.

“Tom was a member of Sydney Rowing Club before more recently moving to Canberra to pursue his university studies at the ANU.

“We send our deepest condolences to Tom’s family and friends.”

A Rowing NSW spokesman said Mr Livingstone would be remembered as a “down to earth, hardworking oarsman”, having rowed and been Captain of Boats in 2021-21.

“Tom was the winner of the Garry Uebergang Cup for the champion sculler at Shore in 2021,” the spokesman said.

“Also in 2021, Tom was selected in the Australian Under 19 Men’s Eight in the team that could not tour due to Covid-19 but instead competed in Adelaide at the World Rowing Cup 3 Simulation Regatta.

Mr Livingstone also rowed in the winning crew for the Sydney Rowing Club in the champion men’s Under 21 Eight of NSW in 2022.

“Rowing NSW send our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Tom’s family and friends,” the spokesman said.

ACT Policing were still on scene this week after the teenager’s death with a spokeswoman saying officers were preparing a report for the coroner.

Gibraltar Falls has since been cordoned off to the public.